A PIECE of architectural history is to go under the hammer later this month.

The Grade-II listed dovecote, which stands on farmland in Low Middleton, near Middleton St George, has full planning permission for a conversion into a one bedroomed property.

The 18th century octagonal building has lain untouched for 30 years and was set to be converted into a residential property by its current owners after planning permission was granted in February this year.

The plans were approved after Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee was satisfied they were sympathetic to the building’s integrity, and included the creation of two new floors with an open plan kitchen and living room on the second floor and bedroom and separate bathroom on the first floor.

An entrance hall and utility room would have also occupied the ground floor.

The building lies in an eight acre field near the River Tees and has retained about 1,000 of its original pigeon nest boxes.

It is being offered at a guide price of £100,000 by Robin Jessop and is set to go under the hammer on Wednesday, May 15 at the Allerton Court Hotel, in Northallerton, at 7pm.

For more information, or to place a bid, visit robinjessop.co.uk